Method of using optically-activated particles in cosmetic preparations

ABSTRACT

Optically-activated fixed particles for use in cosmetic, toiletries,-or pharmaceutical preparations. The optically-activated fixed particles include a plurality of substrate particles and a fluorescent compound fixed to each of the plurality of substrate particles to form integral units in the form of optically-activated fixed particles for reducing the visual perception of skin imperfections, including cellulite, shadows, skin discolorations, wrinkles, and mild scars. Each of the optically-activated fixed particles are optionally encapsulated with a transparent or translucent coating. The unencapsulated and encapsulated optically-activated fixed particles are able to absorb visible light at certain wavelengths and emit visible light at longer wavelengths; and are able to both absorb and scatter light in a diffuse manner in order to reduce the visual perception of skin imperfections, including cellulite, wrinkles, shadows, skin discolorations, blotchiness, and mild scars, when the optically-activated fixed particles are applied to the skin surface.

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/872,648filed on Jun. 1, 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to optically-activated fixedparticles for use in cosmetic preparations to reduce the visualperception of skin imperfections. More particularly, theseoptically-activated fixed particles diffuse ambient light and emitvisible light to reduce the visual perception of imperfectionsincluding, but not limited to, cellulite, wrinkles, discoloration byveins and arteries, shadows, blotchiness, pores, and follicles.Additionally, these optically-activated fixed particles reduce theperception of wrinkles around the eyes and mouth, or mild discolorationssuch as mild scars and blotchiness of the skin in the face area, and canbe used in an encapsulated or non-encapsulated form in the formation ofvarious cosmetic preparations selected from the group consisting of skinlotions, creams, shampoos, body and skin rinses, bath gels, soaps, hairconditioners, color conditioners and rinses, hair color solutions,foundation liquids and powders (compressed or loose), tooth pastes andoral rinses, and color cosmetics and skin treatment products.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Natural-looking skin is influenced by a number of physiologicaland genetic factors. Standard definitions of beautiful skin include skinhaving a transparent quality with uniform undertones of color (i.e. rosyred cheeks). The basis for this natural-looking appearance is in theskin structure itself. The outer layer of human skin is asemi-transparent layer known as the stratum corneum. The transparency ofthe stratum corneum permits glimpses of the deeper layers of skin, whereblood vessels and pigments reside; the reddish hue of the blood vessels'hemoglobin, and the brown/black hue of melanin, the primary skinpigment, combine to produce (what we view as) the skin's color. Ofcourse, in addition to ideal skin having the transparent look with auniform color distribution, it should also be smooth and even, with noapparent surface flaws. Only a few individuals can ever hope to meetsuch a standard without some outside assistance. Thus, a wide variety ofcosmetics exist to help out where nature has failed.

[0004] Although makeup is worn on facial skin, it has not mimicked theactual appearance of natural skin beauty. Currently, the trend forcosmetic preparations have been to more natural-looking make-ups. Inparticular, one of the long-sought goals has been the development of afoundation that does not give the user a “made-up” look. In reality,however, it is difficult to accomplish the goal of achieving coverage offlaws and unevenness of skin tone, while still maintaining the vibrantlook of clean bare skin. This is primarily because those components ofmakeups which provide the desired color and coverage, such as thetitanium or iron oxide pigments, are largely opaque, and thereforeobscure that sought-after vibrant transparency. Although in recentyears, transparent pigments have become available, the coverage neededto mask flaws in the surface of the skin is frequently lacking.

[0005] There remains a need for cosmetic preparations that convey theperception that the user's skin has fewer wrinkles and cellulite andfewer imperfections, generating even tone, obscuring discolorations tothe skin and/or reducing skin blotchiness through the use ofoptically-activated fixed particles. These optically-activated fixedparticles will allow for the emission and reflection of light and mayincrease the diffusion of light to accomplish the foregoing.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0006] The use of optical brightener compounds have been disclosed inthe prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,032,263 to GRAY discloses ableaching and brightening detergent composition. This water solublelaundry detergent includes an organic anionic detergent, nonionicdetergent or mixture thereof, a builder salt, preferably including asilicate, a peroxymonosulfate bleaching agent, a bromide promoter forthe beaching agent and one or more optical brighteners which are stablein the presence of the bleach and the promoter. This prior art patentdoes not teach or disclose the structure, configuration or compositionof the optically-activated fixed particles for use in cosmeticpreparations as disclosed in the present invention.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,752,496 to FELLOWS et al discloses a method ofapplying cosmetics to a substrate and article. The cosmetics, which arenormally dry, are combined with a liquid carrier and film forming agentan deposited onto a substrate. The film forming agent acts to microencapsulate the cosmetic and lighting bond the cosmetic to thesubstrate. When the film forming agent dries, it protects the cosmetic.Thus, the cosmetic can be applied to a substrate and covered with apaperboard sheet. This prior art patent does not teach or disclose thestructure, configuration or composition of the optically-activated fixedparticles for use in cosmetic preparations as disclosed in the presentinvention.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,117,435 to PAINTER et al discloses natural lookcosmetic compositions. This topical application composition for use onskin includes silica beads having an inner core of silica, a middlelayer of metal oxide, and an outer layer of silica; at least oneinterference pigment; and optionally, at least one non-interferencepigment, in a cosmetically or pharmaceutically-acceptable formula. Thesecosmetic compositions confer a natural appearance to the user's skin,while also reducing the appearance of flaws or defects in the skinwithout conferring an opaque or made-up appearance. This prior artpatent does not teach or disclose the structure, configuration orcomposition of the optically-activated fixed particles for use incosmetic preparations as disclosed in the present invention.

[0009] None of the aforementioned prior art patents teach or disclosethe use of optically-activated fixed particles for use in cosmeticpreparations. Further, no prior art patents teach or discloseoptically-activated fixed particles which are able to both scatter andemit light in a combined manner in order to reduce the visual perceptionof shadows, skin discolorations, wrinkles and cellulite when applied tothe skin surface.

[0010] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provideoptically-activated fixed particles for use in cosmetic preparations,wherein the optically-activated fixed particles are able to scatterlight at all wavelengths as well as to absorb visible light at certainwavelengths and emit visible light at longer wavelengths (releasesenergy in the form of light), in order to reduce the visual appearanceand perception of skin imperfections, such as shadows, skindiscolorations, wrinkles and cellulite when applied to the skin surface.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provideoptically-activated fixed particles in which the substrate (particle)may be pre-treated, for example, with a swelling agent in order to makethe substrate particle wettable and/or electrostatically and/orionically available for fixing, such that the swelling agent treatmentof the particles swells the particles and they wet-out to prepare theparticles for fixation to a fluorescent compound.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide fixedfluorescent particles that include fluorescent compounds selected fromthe group consisting of, but not limited to, derivatives of stilbene,4,4′ diaminostilbene, biphenyl, heterocycles, or any other fluorescentmaterials such as Tinopal 5BM, Calcofluor White RC (Stilbene 4),Calcofluor CG (Stilbene 3), and Leucophor BSB, or equivalents.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provideoptically-activated fixed particles, having a fluorescent compound beingadhered or fixed to the substrate by Van Der Waal's forces or ionicbonding or covalent bonding or hydrogen bonding, or other strong or weakphysiochemical association.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to useoptically-activated fixed particles of a size that is below 50μ(microns) in cosmetic applications, wherein the preferred size of thefixed particle is in the range of 0.1 to 50μ, or preferably in theranges of 1μ to 30μ, or 2μ to 15μ in diameter, and preferably the fixedparticle is colorless and/or translucent, and non-visible to the humaneye.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provideoptically-activated fixed particles having a substrate (particle) madeof materials selected from the group consisting of nylons, acrylics,polyesters or other plastic polymers, cellulose, starch, naturalmaterials, regenerated cellulose, metals, salts, minerals or otherinsoluble solid materials.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provideoptically-activated fixed particles, wherein the substrate (particle)configuration or structure may be in the form of, but not limited to, aspheroid, a cuboid, a cylindrical-shaped particle, a tetrahedroid(pyramidally-shaped), a rhomboid, a plate, or other polygonal shapedconfigurations; or other regularly or irregularly shaped particles; andadditionally, these particles may be solid or hollow in structure.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provideoptically-activated fixed particles that may be encapsulated with atransparent and/or translucent coating, such as, but not limited to,polyoxymethylene urea (PMU), polyoxymethylene, melamine, PVA, PVC,polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polyvinyls, plastic polymers, organicor inorganic gels, natural or synthetic gelatins, wherein each capsuleacts as an extra diffusing interface of emitted light, therebyincreasing the diffusion of emitted and reflected light, or reducing thevisual perception of skin imperfections, including cellulite, wrinkles,skin discolorations, and shadows when applied to the skin surface.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provideoptically-activated fixed particles that can be used in an encapsulatedor non-encapsulated form in the formation of various cosmeticpreparations selected from the group consisting of skin lotions, creams,shampoos, body and skin rinses, bath gels, soaps, hair conditioners,color conditioners and rinses, hair color cosmetics, color solutions,foundation liquids and powders (compressed or loose), tooth pastes andoral rinses and skin treatment products.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provideoptically-activated fixed particles that when used in cosmeticpreparations reduce the visual perception of wrinkles (for example,around the eyes and mouth, areas of the arms, under the jaw), cellulite,or mild skin discolorations due to mild scars or varicose veins, andblotchiness of the skin as in the face area.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] In accordance with the present invention, there is providedoptically-activated fixed particles for use in cosmetic preparations toreduce the visual perception of skin imperfections. Theoptically-activated fixed particles include a plurality of substrateparticles selected from the group consisting of nylons, acrylics,polyesters, other plastic polymers, cellulose, starch, naturalmaterials, regenerated cellulose, metals, salts, and minerals or otherinsoluble solid materials; a fluorescent compound fixed to each of theplurality of substrate particles to form integral units in the form ofoptically-activated fixed particles for diffusing and emitting light toreduce the visual perception of cellulite, shadows, skin discolorationsand wrinkles; and each of the optically-activated fixed particles may beadditionally, but need not be, encapsulated with a transparent ortranslucent coating. The unencapsulted and encapsulatedoptically-activated fixed particles are able to absorb electromagneticradiation and emit light in order to reduce the visual perception ofskin imperfections, including shadows, cellulite, wrinkles, and skindiscolorations, when the optically-activated fixed particles are appliedto the skin surface. The unencapsulated and encapsulatedoptically-activated fixed particles are used in the making of cosmeticpreparations such as skin lotions, creams, shampoos, body and skinrinses, bath gels, soaps, color cosmetics, hair conditioners, colorconditioners and rinses, hair color solutions, foundation liquids andpowders (compressed or loose), tooth pastes, oral rinses, and skintreatment products.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Further objects, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will become apparent upon the consideration of the followingdetailed description of the presently-preferred embodiment when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0022]FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the chemical process ofconverting a nylon spheroid particle to an encapsulatedoptically-activated fixed particle with several intervening processingsteps;

[0023]FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the optically-activatedfixed particle of one of the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention showing the fluorescent compound fixed to the nylon spheroidparticle;

[0024]FIG. 3 is an enlarged sectional view of the optically-activatedfixed particle of one of the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention showing the optically-activated fixed particle encapsulated;

[0025]FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of the optically-activatedfixed particle of the present invention showing the optically-activatedfixed particle within a crease of a user 's outer skin layer in whichthe optically-activated fixed particle is diffusing and emitting lightto decrease the shadow effect and/or a skin imperfection;

[0026]FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of the optically-activatedfixed particle of the present invention showing the encapsulatedoptically-activated fixed particle within a crease of a user's outerskin layer in which the encapsulated optically-activated fixed particleis diffusing and emitting light to decrease the shadow effect of theskin imperfection; and

[0027]FIG. 6 is an enlarged view showing a schematic of how the image ofthe skin imperfection and/or discoloration is diffused and brightened bythe optically-activated fixed particle and is therefore not perceived bythe viewer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ONE OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] The optically-activated fixed particles 10 for use in cosmeticpreparations of the preferred embodiment of the present invention arerepresented in detail by FIGS. 1 through 6 of the drawings. Theseoptically-activated fixed particles 10 allow for the emission anddiffusion of light 40, 41 for the purpose of reducing the visualperception of cellulite, wrinkles, shadows, skin discolorations by veinsand arteries, and the obscuring of particular visual imperfections ofthe skin support surface 14. Further, these optically-activated fixedparticles reduce the perception of wrinkles 16 round the eyes and mouth,areas of cellulite, mild discolorations on the skin, such as minor scarsor abrasions and blotchiness of the skin, such as occurs in, but notlimited to, the face area.

[0029] This optically-activated fixed particle 10 and the encapsulatedoptically fixed particle 12 are created in a chemical process 20, asshown in FIGS. 1 to 3 of the drawings, under heat and/or temperature,and time (t), using a fluorescent compound 22 on a substrate particle24. The fluorescent compound 22 is fixed to the substrate 24 (i.e., anylon spheroid particle) by covalent and/or ionic bonding and/or Van derWaals forces and/or hydrogen bonding and/or another strong or weakphysio-chemical association such that the fluorescent compound 22 isfixed to the substrate 24 and becomes part of the finishedoptically-activated fixed particle 10. When using a spheroid as thesubstrate particle 24, the finished optically-activated fixed particle10 diffuses light 40, 41 in a radially extending pattern, as shown inFIGS. 4 and 5 of the drawings. The fluorescent compound 22 is fixed tothe substrate 24 and a fixed particle 10 is created. The fluorescentcompound 22 is difficult to separate or remove from theoptically-activated fixed particles 10 that are created. Theoptically-activated fixed particle 10 may be encapsulated with atransparent or translucent coating 30, such as for example apolyoxymethylene urea (PMU). Thus, the optically-activated fixedparticles 10 reduce the visual perception of cellulite, wrinkles,discoloration and shadows when applied the to skin surface 14, asdepicted in FIGS. 4 to 6 of the drawings.

[0030] The chemical process 20 for making the optically-activated fixedparticles 10, as shown in FIG. 1 of the drawings, may include thefollowing examples:

EXAMPLE 1

[0031] Propylene glycol (875 g) and PEG 200 (125 g) were added to a 3-Lround bottom flask equipped with an overhead stirrer, condenser andheating mantle. Nylon-12 powder was added slowly over 15 min. Themixture was stirred for an additional 15 min, Leucophor BSB solution(Clariant, 50 g) was added and the mixture was stirred at roomtemperature for 10 min. Distilled water (950 g) was added and themixture was then slowly heated to 90° C. with a ramp rate of 1-2°C./min. The temperature was held at 90° C. for 30 min., then allowed tocool to room temperature. The mixture was filtered in a Buchner funneland the white powder was washed with four 1200 mL portions of distilledwater and air dried to yield a wet powder which was then dried in anoven at 75° C. for 15 hr to yield a dry white fluorescent powder.Spectrophotometric analysis of the wash solutions indicated that theproduct contained 0.3% fluorescent compound.

EXAMPLE 2 The procedure from Example 1 was repeated except the reactiontemperature was raised to 100° C. Analysis indicated that the productcontained 0.4% fluorescent compound. EXAMPLE 3 The procedure fromExample 2 was repeated except nylon-6 powder was used instead ofnylon-12 powder. Analysis indicated that the product contained 0.5%fluorescent compound. EXAMPLE 4

[0032] The procedure from example 2 was repeated except ethylene glycol(1000 g) was substituted for the propylene glycol and PEG 200 mixtureand no water was added. Analysis indicated that the product contained0.4% fluorescent compound.

EXAMPLE 5

[0033] The procedure from example 2 was repeated except butylene glycol(1000 g) was substituted for the propylene glycol and PEG 200 mixtureand no water was added. Analysis indicated that the product contained0.4% fluorescent compound.

EXAMPLE 6

[0034] The procedure from Example 2 was repeated except microcrystallinecellulose powder was used instead of nylon-12 powder. Analysis indicatedthat the product contained 0.3% fluorescent compound.

EXAMPLE 7

[0035] Isopropanol (150 g) was added to a 1-L round bottom flaskequipped with an overhead stirrer, condenser and heating mantle.Nylon-12 powder was added slowly over 15 min and the mixture was stirredfor an additional 15 min. The mixture was filtered in a Buchner funneland the filter cake containing approximately 80 g of isopropanol and thenylon powder was placed back in the reaction flask. Distilled water (312g) and Leucophor BSB solution (Clariant, 8 g) was added and the mixturewas stirred at room temperature for 10 min. The mixture was heated to88° C. for 30 min., then allowed to cool to room temperature. Themixture was filtered in a Buchner funnel and the white powder was washedwith four 200 mL portions of distilled water and air dried to yield awet powder which was then dried in an oven at 75° C. for 15 hr to yielda dry white fluorescent powder. Spectrophotometric analysis of the washsolutions indicated that the product contained 0.3% fluorescentcompound.

EXAMPLE 8

[0036] The fluorescent powder of from Example 1 was encapsulated asfollows. A pre-polymer mixture was prepared by mixing 37% formalin(108.1 g), urea (40 g) and triethanolamine (1.2 g) and heating to 70-75°C. for 2.5 hours. De-ionized water (331.9 g), sodium chloride (48.6 g)and the pre-polymer mixture was then added to a 1000 mL glass beakerequipped with an immersion homogenizer. The mixture was held at 25° C.using a cooling bath and homogenization was begun. The fluorescentpowder from Example 1 was then added and the homogenization continueduntil the powder was dispersed. The pH was then adjusted to 5.0 withaqueous HCl and the homogenization continued for 15 min. The pH was thenadjusted to 3.6 for 60 min, 3.0 for 60 min, and 2.2 for 30 min. Themixture was then stirred overnight. The pH was then adjusted to 7.0(NaOH) and the mixture heated to 60° C. for 60 min. The mixture was thenfiltered on a Buchner funnel, washed with water, and dried at 50-80° C.to yield a fluorescent powder.

EXAMPLE 9

[0037] A skin cream containing the optically-activated fixed particlesof the invention was prepared according to the following procedure: PER-SEQ CENT INGREDIENT INCI NAME 1 77.15 Deionized Water Water 1 1.00Uniphen P-23 Phenoxyethanol (and) Methyl- paraben (and) Ethylparaben(and) Propylparaben (and) Butylparaben 1 0.35 Keltrol CG Xanthan Gum 24.00 Lipovol SES Sesame (Sesamum Indicum) Oil 2 0.50 Lipopeg 6000DSPEG-150 Distearate 2 1.25 Lipocol C Cetyl Alcohol 2 2.50 Liponate CGCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride 2 0.75 Lipowax P Cetearyl Alcohol (and)Polysorbate 60 2 2.50 Lipo GMS 450 Glyceryl Stearate 3 10.00 OpticallyActivated Fixed Particles

Procedure

[0038] 1. In main beaker, heat sequence #1 ingredients to 78-80° C. withhigh sheer propeller mixing at medium/high speed.

[0039] 2. In separate beaker, combine sequence #2 ingredients and heatto 80° C.

[0040] 4. Add combined sequences #2 to sequence #1 with medium/highspeed high sheer propeller mixing. Continue mixing for 5 minutes oruntil emulsification is complete.

[0041] 5. Cool to 25° C.

[0042] 6. Add sequence #3 and mix until blended.

EXAMPLE 10

[0043] A skin cream was prepared as in Example 7 except EncapsulatedOptically Activated Fixed Particles were used instead of OpticallyActivated Fixed Particles.

EXAMPLE 11

[0044] A skin cream was prepared as in Example 7 except a mixture ofEncapsulated Optically-Activated Fixed Particles and Optically-ActivatedFixed Particles were used instead of Optically-Activated Fixed Particlesalone.

EXAMPLE 12

[0045] A skin gel containing the optically-activated fixed particles ofthe invention was prepared according to the following procedure: PER-SEQ CENT INGREDIENT INCI NAME 1 43.80 Deionized Water Water 1 0.20Methylparaben Methylparaben 1 0.10 Sequestrene Na4T Tetrasodium EDTA 23.00 Liponic EG-1 Glycereth-26 2 0.10 Hypan SA-100H AcrylicAcid/Acrylonitrogens Copolymer 3 1.00 Deionized Water Water 3 .50 TEA,99% Triethanolamine 4 15.00 Carbopol 980 (2%) Carbomer 5 10.00 Zilgel VVGlycerin (and) Water (and) Sodium Polyacrylate 6 1.00 Deionized WaterWater 6 0.30 Unicide U-13 Imidazolidinyl Urea 7 10.00Optically-Activated Fixed Particles 8 1.00 Hyaluronic acid SodiumHyaluronate (1%)

Procedure

[0046] 1. Combine sequence #1 ingredients and heat to 80° C. withpropeller mixing.

[0047] 2. Add premixed sequence #2 to sequence #1 holding temperature at80° C.

[0048] 3. Add sequence #3 to batch with high speed propeller mixing.Continue mixing until Hypan has completely hydrated.

[0049] 4. Add sequence #4 to batch and mix until clear and uniform.

[0050] 5. Begin cooling batch.

[0051] 6. Add sequence #5 to batch with propeller mixing.

[0052] 7. At 35° C., add premixed sequence #6 to batch.

[0053] 8. Add sequence #7 and sequence #8 to batch with high speedmixing. Continue mixing until Liponyl OAP has completely dispersed.

[0054] 9. Cool to 25° C. and remove from mixer.

Operation of the Present Invention

[0055] The optically-activated fixed particles 10, 12 are used incosmetic preparations to reduce the visual perception of skinimperfections, such as cellulite, shadows, wrinkles and mild skindiscolorations such as mild scars, varicose veins, and blotchiness ofthe skin, such as, but not limited to, the face area. The uniqueness ofusing these optically-activated fixed particles 10, 12 within a cosmeticpreparation is the emission of light 40, 41 for reducing the perceptionof skin imperfections and for obscuring of the skin below the particle.The particle itself is preferably, but not limited to, being colorless,transparent or translucent, and non-visible to the human eye. Thus, thehuman eye only sees the combination of scattered and emitted light 40,41.

[0056] In one embodiment of the invention, when the optically-activatedfixed particles 10, 12 are exposed to ambient UV light they absorb theUV light as energy, and release light 40, 41, creating a radiant releaseof light 40, 41, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 of the drawings. Thus, thefixing of the fluorescent compound to the substrate particle 24 createsa radiant emissive source of light 40,41. While not wanting to belimited by theory, it is thought that this light 40, 41 is minuscule,and may not be consciously perceived by the viewer, and is interpretedby the visual center of perception and images (the visual cortex). Thus,particles 10, 12 perform an optical function for the cosmetic productwhich obscures skin imperfections and reduces the visual perception ofskin imperfections. The primary format of the present invention is touse the particles 10, 12 in a cosmetic vehicle.

[0057] These particles 10, 12 may be encapsulated in a transparent ortranslucent capsule 30, such as but not limited to polyoxymethylene urea(PMU). While not wanting to be limited by theory, it is believed thatthe capsule acts as a diffusion lens increasing the effective diffusionpattern of light 40, 41 which further reduces the visual perception ofcellulite, wrinkles, shadows and skin discoloration regardless of theconfiguration of the skin surface 14. An additional purpose of fixingthe fluorescent compound 22 to a substrate 24 (such as nylon spheroids)is to create particles 10, 12 which are non-reactive and inert for usein cosmetic preparations.

Advantages of the Present Invention

[0058] Accordingly, an advantage of the present invention is that itprovides for optically-activated fixed particles for use in cosmeticpreparations, wherein the optically-activated fixed particles are ableto absorb light at one wavelength and emit and diffuse light at anotherwavelength (releases energy in the form of light) in order to reduce theappearance and visual perception of skin imperfections, includingshadows, skin discolorations, wrinkles, and cellulite, when applied tothe skin surface, as well as to obscure the skin beneath the particles.

[0059] Another advantage of the present invention is that it providesfor optically-activated fixed particles in which the substrate(particle) may be pre-treated, for example, with swelling agents inorder to make the substrate particle water wettable and/or available forfixation.

[0060] Another advantage of the present invention is that it providesoptically-activated fixed particles that include a fluorescent compoundselected from, but not limited to, the group consisting of derivativesof stilbene, 4,4′ diaminostilbene, biphenyl, heterocycles, or any otherfluorescent materials such as Tinopal 5BM, calcofluor White RC (Stilbene4), Calcofluor CG (Stilbene 3), and Leucophor BSB, or equivalents.

[0061] Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides asubstrate of optically-activated fixed particles, with a fluorescentcompound being fixed to the substrate by Van der Waal's forces and/orionic bonding and/or covalent bonding and/or hydrogen bonding and/orother strong or weak physiochemical association.

[0062] Another advantage of the present invention is that it usesoptically-activated fixed particles of a size that is below 50μ(microns), wherein the preferred size of the fixed particle is in therange of 0.1 to 50μ (microns) in diameter; more preferably 1 to 30μ, andmost preferably 2 to 15μ. Preferably the fixed particle is colorless,transparent or translucent, and is non-visible to the human eye.

[0063] Another advantage of the present invention is that it providesoptically-activated fixed particles, having a substrate (particle) madeof materials selected from the group consisting of polyamides,polyacetates, polyesters or other plastic polymers, natural materials,cellulose, regenerated cellulose, starch, salts, metals, minerals orother insoluble solid matter and that act as both a substrate andscattering center.

[0064] Another advantage of the present invention is that it providesoptically-activated fixed particles, wherein the substrate (particle)configuration or structure may be in the form of, but not limited to, aspheroid, a cuboid, a cylindrical-shaped particle, a tetrahedroid(pyramidally-shaped), a rhomboid, a plate, or other polygonal shapedconfigurations, or irregularly shaped particles, and additionally, theseparticles may be solid or hollow in structure.

[0065] Another object of the present invention is to provide opticallyactivated fixed particles that may be encapsulated with a transparentand/or translucent coating, such as but not limited to polyoxymethyleneurea, polyoxymethylene, melamine, PVA, PCV, polyacrylates,polymethacrylates, polyvinyls, plastic polymers, organic or inorganicgels, natural or synthetic gelatins, wherein each capsule acts as anextra diffusing interface of emitted light, thereby increasing thediffusion of emitted and reflected light, or reducing the visualperception of skin imperfections, including cellulite, wrinkles, skindiscolorations, and shadows when applied to the skin surface.

[0066] Another advantage of the present invention is that it providesoptically-activated fixed particles that can be used in an encapsulatedor non-encapsulated form in the formation of various cosmeticpreparations selected from the group consisting of skin lotions, creams,shampoos, body and skin rinses, bath gels, soaps, hair conditioners,color conditioners and rinses, hair color solutions, foundation powders(compressed or loose), tooth pastes, oral rinses, color cosmetics, andskin treatment products.

[0067] Another advantage of the present invention is that it providesoptically-activated fixed particles that when used in cosmeticpreparations reduce the visual perception of skin imperfections, such aswrinkles (for example, around the eyes, areas of the arms, around themouth, under the jaw), cellulite, or mild skin discolorations due tomild scars or varicose veins, and blothchiness of the skin as in theface area.

[0068] A latitude of modification, change, and substitution is intendedin the foregoing disclosure, and in some instances, some features of theinvention will be employed without a corresponding use of otherfeatures. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims beconstrued broadly and in a manner consistent with the spirit and scopeof the invention herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. Optically-activated fixed particles for use incosmetics, toiletries, and pharmaceutical preparations to reduce thevisual perception of skin imperfections such as shadows, skindiscolorations, wrinkles, and cellulite, comprising: a) a plurality ofinsoluble solid substrate particles; b) a fluorescent compound fixed toeach of said plurality of substrate particles to form integral units inthe form of optically-activated fixed particles; and c) each of saidoptically-activated fixed particles encapsulated with a transparent ortranslucent coating.
 2. Optically activated fixed particles inaccordance with claim 1, wherein each of 1 said plurality of substrateparticles has a composition selected from the group consisting ofnylons, polyamides, polyacrylates, acrylics, polyesters, other plasticpolymers, natural materials, regenerated cellulose, metals and minerals,or mixtures of these, wherein said substrate particles have an index ofrefraction greater than 1.0.
 3. Optically-activated fixed particles inaccordance with claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of substrateparticles is at least 0.1μ (microns) in size, but below 50μ in size. 4.Optically-activated fixed particles in accordance with claim 1, whereineach of said plurality of substrate particles is at least 1.0μ (microns)in size, but below 30μ in size.
 5. Optically-activated fixed particlesin accordance with claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of substrateparticles is at least 2.0μ (microns) in size, but below 15μ in size. 6.Optically-activated fixed particles in accordance with claim 1, whereineach of said plurality of substrate particles has a configuration orstructure selected from the group consisting of a spheroid, a cuboid, acylindrical-shaped particle, a tetrahedroid, a rhomboid, a plate, otherpolygonal shaped configurations, irregular shapes, and equivalents. 7.Optically-activated fixed particles in accordance with claim 1, whereineach of said plurality of substrate particles is solid or hollow instructure.
 8. Optically-activated particles in accordance with claim 1,wherein said plurality of substrate particles are pre-treated to makesaid plurality of substrate particles water wettable and/or swollenand/or electrostatic and ionically available, wherein said plurality ofpre-treated substrate particles are ready for fixation by saidfluorescent compound.
 9. Optically-activated fixed particles inaccordance with claim 1, wherein said fluorescent compound is fixed tosaid plurality of substrate particles by ionic, covalent, or hydrogenbonding.
 10. Optically-activated fixed particles in accordance withclaim 1, wherein said fluorescent compound is fixed to said plurality ofsubstrate particles by Van der Waals forces, or by strong or weakphysio-chemical association.
 11. Optically-activated fixed particles inaccordance with claim 1, wherein said fluorescent compound is selectedfrom the group consisting of derivatives of stilbene, 4,4′diaminostilbene, bipehenyl, heterocycles, or any other fluorescentmaterials such as Tinopal 5BM, Calcofluor White RC (Stilbene 4),Calcofluor CG (Stilbene 3), and Leucophor BSB, or equivalents. 12.Optically-activated fixed particles in accordance with claim 1, whereineach of said optically-activated fixed particles is colorless ortranslucent or transparent, and non-visible to the human eye. 13.Optically-activated fixed particles in accordance with claim 1, whereineach of said optically-activated fixed particles has a configuration orstructure selected from the group consisting of a spheroid, a cuboid, acylindrical-shaped particle, a tetrahedroid, a rhomboid, a plate, otherpolygonal shaped configurations, or irregular shaped configurations, andequivalents.
 14. Optically-activated fixed particles in accordance withclaim 1, wherein each of said optically-activated fixed particles issolid or hollow in structure.
 15. Optically-activated fixed particles inaccordance with claim 1, wherein said optically-activated fixedparticles are used in the making of cosmetics, toiletries andpharmaceutical preparations selected from the group consisting of skinlotions, creams, shampoos, body and skin rinse, bath gels, soaps, hairconditioners, color conditioners and rinses, hair color solutions,foundation liquids and powders (compressed or loose), tooth pastes, oralrinses, color cosmetics, and skin treatment products. 16.Optically-activated fixed particles in accordance with claim 1, whereinsaid optically-activated fixed particles both scatter and emit light ina diffuse manner to reduce the visual perception of skin imperfections,including cellulite, wrinkles, skin discolorations, and shadows, whensaid optically-activated fixed particles are applied to the skinsurface.
 17. Optically-activated fixed particles in accordance withclaim 1, wherein said optically-activated fixed particles absorbultraviolet light and emit visible light.
 18. Optically-activated fixedparticles in accordance with claim 1, wherein said optically-activatedfixed particles absorb visible light at certain wavelengths, and emitvisible light at longer wavelengths.
 19. Optically-activated particlesin accordance with claim 1, wherein said transparent and/or translucentcoating is selected from the group consisting of polyoxymethylene urea,polyoxymethylene, melamine, PVA, PCV, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates,polyvinyls, plastic polymers, organic or inorganic gels, natural orsynthetic gelatins, wherein said coating forms a capsule and eachcapsule acts as an extra diffusing interface of emitted light, therebyincreasing the diffusion of emitted and reflected light, or reducing thevisual perception of skin imperfections, including cellulite, wrinkles,skin discolorations, and shadows when applied to the skin surface. 20.Optically-activated fixed particles in accordance with claim 1, whereineach of said encapsulated optically-activated fixed particles is apolyamide-based solid for enhancing the radial diffusing of light fromeach of said encapsulated optically-activated fixed particles to reducethe visual perception of skin imperfections, including shadows, skindiscolorations, cellulite, wrinkles, and mild scars. 21.Optically-activated fixed particles in accordance with claim 1, whereineach of said encapsulated optically-activated particles has a size inthe range of 0.1μ to 50μ (microns).
 22. Optically-activated fixedparticles in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of said encapsulatedoptically-activated particles has a size in the range of 1μ to 30μ(microns).
 23. Optically-activated fixed particles in accordance withclaim 1, wherein each of said encapsulated optically-activated particleshas a size in the range of 2μ to 15μ (microns).
 24. Optically-activatedfixed particles in accordance with claim 1, wherein said encapsulatedoptically-activated fixed particles are used in the making of cosmetics,toiletries, and pharmaceutical preparations selected from the groupconsisting of skin lotions, creams, shampoos, body and skin rinses, bathgels, soaps, hair conditioners, color conditioners and rinses, haircolor solutions, foundation liquids and powders (compressed or loose),tooth pastes, oral rinses, color cosmetics, skin treatment products, andany cosmetically-acceptable vehicles.
 25. Optically-activated fixedparticles in accordance with claim 1, wherein said encapsulatedoptically-activated fixed particles absorb light and emit and diffuselight in a diffuse manner to reduce the visual perception of skinimperfections, including cellulite, wrinkles, skin discolorations,shadows, and mild scars, when said encapsulated optically-activatedparticles are applied to the skin surface.
 26. Optically-activated fixedparticles for use in cosmetic, toiletries, and pharmaceuticalpreparations to reduce the visual perception of skin imperfections suchas shadows, skin discolorations, wrinkles, and cellulite, comprising: a)a plurality of insoluble solid substrate particles; and b) a fluorescentcompound fixed to each of said plurality of substrate particles to formintegral units in the form of optically-activated fixed particles. 27.Optically activated fixed particles in accordance with claim 26, whereineach of said plurality of substrate particles has a composition selectedfrom the group consisting of nylons, polyamides, polyacrylates,acrylics, polyesters, other plastic polymers, natural materials,regenerated cellulose, metals and minerals, or mixtures of these. 28.Optically-activated fixed particles in accordance with claim 26, whereineach of said plurality of substrate particles is at least 0.1μ (microns)in size, but below 50μ in size.
 29. Optically-activated fixed particlesin accordance with claim 26, wherein each of said plurality of substrateparticles is at least 1.0μ (microns) in size, but below 30μ in size. 30.Optically-activated fixed particles in accordance with claim 26, whereineach of said plurality of substrate particles is at least 2.0% (microns)in size, but below 15μ in size.
 31. Optically-activated fixed particlesin accordance with claim 26, wherein each of said plurality of substrateparticles has a configuration or structure selected from the groupconsisting of a spheroid, a cuboid, a cylindrical-shaped particle, atetrahedroid, a rhomboid, a plate, other polygonal shapedconfigurations, irregular shapes and equivalents. 32.Optically-activated fixed particles in accordance with claim 26, whereineach of said plurality of substrate particles is solid or hollow instructure.
 33. Optically-activated particles in accordance with claim26, wherein said plurality of substrate particles are pre-treated tomake said plurality of substrate particles water wettable and/or swollenand/or electrostatic and ionically available, wherein said plurality ofpre-treated substrate particles are ready for fixation by saidfluorescent compound.
 34. Optically-activated fixed particles inaccordance with claim 26, wherein said fluorescent compound is fixed tosaid plurality of substrate particles by ionic, covalent, or hydrogenbonding.
 35. Optically-activated fixed particles in accordance withclaim 26, wherein said fluorescent compound is fixed to said pluralityof substrate particles by Van der Waals forces, or by strong or weakphysio-chemical association.
 36. Optically-activated fixed particles inaccordance with claim 26, wherein said fluorescent compound is selectedfrom the group consisting of derivatives of stilbene, 4,4′diaminostilbene, bipehenyl, heterocycles, or any other fluorescentmaterials such as Tinopal 5BM, Calcofluor White RC (Stilbene 4),Calcofluor CG (Stilbene 3), and Leucophor BSB, or equivalents. 37.Optically-activated fixed particles in accordance with claim 26, whereineach of said optically-activated fixed particles is colorless ortranslucent or transparent, and non-visible to the human eye. 38.Optically-activated fixed particles in accordance with claim 26, whereineach of said optically-activated fixed particles has a configuration orstructure selected from the group consisting of a spheroid, a cuboid, acylindrical-shaped particle, a tetrahedroid, a rhomboid, a plate, otherpolygonal shaped or irregular shaped configurations, and equivalents.39. Optically-activated fixed particles in accordance with claim 26,wherein each of said optically-activated particles is solid or hollow instructure.
 40. Optically-activated fixed particles in accordance withclaim 26, wherein each of said optically-activated fixed particles is apolyamide-based solid.
 41. Optically-activated fixed particles inaccordance with claim 26, wherein said optically-activated fixedparticles are used in the making of cosmetics, toiletries andpharmaceutical preparations selected from the group consisting of skinlotions, creams, shampoos, body and skin rinse, bath gels, soaps, hairconditioners, color conditioners and rinses, hair color solutions,foundation liquids and powders (compressed or loose), tooth pastes, oralrinses, color cosmetics, and skin treatment products. 42.Optically-activated fixed particles in accordance with claim 26, whereinsaid optically-activated fixed particles both scatter and emit light ina diffuse manner to reduce the visual perception of skin imperfections,including cellulite, wrinkles, skin discolorations, and shadows, whensaid optically-activated fixed particles are applied to the skinsurface.
 43. Optically-activated fixed particles in accordance withclaim 26, wherein said optically-activated fixed particles absorbultraviolet light and emit visible light.
 44. Optically-activated fixedparticles in accordance with claim 26, wherein said optically-activatedfixed particles absorb visible light at certain wavelengths and emitvisible light at longer wavelengths.
 45. Optically-activated particlesin accordance with claim 26, further includes a transparent and/ortranslucent coating selected from the group consisting ofpolyoxymethylene urea, polyoxymethylene, melamine, PVA, PCV,polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polyvinyls, plastic polymers, organicor inorganic gels, natural or synthetic gelatins, wherein said coatingforms a capsule and each capsule acts as an extra diffusing interface ofemitted light, thereby increasing the diffusion of emitted and reflectedlight, or reducing the visual perception of skin imperfections,including cellulite, wrinkles, skin discolorations, and shadows whenapplied to the skin surface.
 46. Optically-activated fixed particles inaccordance with claim 26, wherein each of said encapsulatedoptically-activated fixed particles is a polyamide-based solid forenhancing the radial diffusing of light from each of said encapsulatedoptically-activated fixed particles to reduce the visual perception ofskin imperfections, including shadows, skin discolorations, cellulite,wrinkles, and mild scars.
 47. Optically-activated fixed particles inaccordance with claim 26, further including encapsulatedoptically-activated particles having a size in the range of 0.1μ to 50μ(microns).
 48. Optically-activated fixed particles in accordance withclaim 26, further including encapsulated optically-activated particleshaving a size in the range of 1μ to 30μ (microns). 49.Optically-activated fixed particles in accordance with claim 26, furtherincluding encapsulated optically-activated particles having a size inthe range of 2μ to 15μ (microns).
 50. Optically-activated fixedparticles in accordance with claim 26, further including encapsulatedoptically-activated fixed particles used in the making of cosmetics,toiletries, and pharmaceutical preparations selected from the groupconsisting of skin lotions, creams, shampoos, body and skin rinses, bathgels, soaps, hair conditioners, color conditioners and rinses, haircolor solutions, foundation liquids and powders (compressed or loose),tooth pastes, oral rinses, color cosmetics, skin treatment products, andany cosmetically-acceptable vehicles.
 51. Optically-activated fixedparticles in accordance with claim 26, further including encapsulatedoptically-activated fixed particles which absorb light and emit anddiffuse light in a diffuse manner to reduce the visual perception ofskin imperfections, including cellulite, wrinkles, skin discolorations,shadows, and mild scars, when said encapsulated optically-activatedparticles are applied to the skin surface.
 52. A method of makingoptically-activated fixed particles for use in cosmetics, toiletries,and pharmaceutical preparations for reducing the visual perception ofskin imperfections such as shadows, skin discolorations, wrinkles, andcellulite, comprising the steps of: a) mixing a plurality of substrateparticles with one or more solvents to form a mixture; b) reacting saidmixture of said plurality of substrate particles with a fluorescentcompound, and said fluorescent compound being in the range of 0.01% to50.0% by weight of said mixture; c) fixing said fluorescent compound tosaid plurality of substrate particles to form a plurality ofoptically-activated fixed particles in said mixture; and d) filtering orotherwise separating said mixture to separate out said plurality ofoptically-activated fixed particles having said fluorescent compoundbeing in the range of 0.0001% to 20.0% by dry weight of said compositionand said substrate particles being in the range of 80.0% to 99.9999% bydry weight of said composition for use in making cosmetic, toiletriesand pharmaceutical preparations.
 53. A method of makingoptically-activated fixed particles in accordance with claim 52, whereinsaid step of mixing said plurality of substrate particles with said oneor more solvents includes one or more glycol derivatives to form saidmixture.
 54. A method of making optically-activated fixed particles inaccordance with claim 52, wherein said step of reacting said pluralityof substrate particles with said fluorescent compound being selectedfrom the group consisting of derivatives of stilbene, 4,4′diaminostilbene, bipehenyl, heterocycles, or any other fluorescentmaterials such as Tinopal 5BM, Calcofluor White RC (Stilbene 4),Calcofluor CG (Stilbene 3), and Leucophor BSB, or equivalents.
 55. Amethod of making optically-activated fixed particles in accordance withclaim 52, further including the step of drying said mixture to separateout said plurality of optically-activated fixed particles from saidmixture.
 56. A method of making optically-activated fixed particles inaccordance with claim 52, further including the step of making saidplurality of optically-activated fixed particles into cosmeticpreparations selected from the group consisting of skin lotions, creams,shampoos, body and skin rinses, bath gels, soaps, hair conditioners,color conditioners and rinses, hair color solutions, foundation powders(compressed or loose), tooth pastes, oral rinses, color cosmetics, andskin treatment products, or any acceptable-cosmetic vehicle or medium.57. A method of making optically-activated fixed particles in accordancewith claim 52, wherein said step of separating said mixture from saidplurality of optically-activated fixed particles forms a plurality ofoptically-activated fixed particles; and further including the step ofencapsulating said plurality of optically-activated fixed particlesusing a transparent or translucent coating to form a plurality ofencapsulated optically-activated fixed particles.
 58. A method of makingoptically-activated fixed particles in accordance with claim 52, whereinsaid step of encapsulating said plurality of optically-activated fixedparticles is performed using a polyoxymethylene urea (PMU) coating, or aPVA coating, or a melamine coating as said transparent or translucentcoating.
 59. A method of making optically-activated fixed particles inaccordance with claim 52, wherein said step of encapsulating saidplurality of optically-activated fixed particles is performed using oneof the following selected from the group consisting of apolyoxymethylene urea, polyoxymethylene, melamine, PVA, PCV,polyacrylates, polymethacrylates, polyvinyls, plastic polymers, organicor inorganic gels, natural or synthetic gelatins to form a capsule,wherein each capsule acts as an extra diffusing interface of emittedlight, thereby increasing the diffusion of emitted and reflected light,or reducing the visual perception of skin imperfections, includingcellulite, wrinkles, skin discolorations, and shadows when applied tothe skin surface.
 60. A method of making optically-activated particlesin accordance with claim 52, further including the step of processingsaid plurality of encapsulated optically-activated fixed particles intocosmetic preparations selected from the group consisting of skinlotions, creams, shampoos, body and skin rinses, bath gels, soaps, hairconditioners, color conditioners and rinses, hair color solutions,foundation powders (compressed or loose), tooth pastes, oral rinses,color cosmetics, and skin treatment products, or any acceptable-cosmeticvehicle or medium.
 61. A method of making optically-activated fixedparticles for use in cosmetics, toiletries, and pharmaceuticalpreparations for reducing the visual perception of skin imperfections,such as shadows, skin discolorations, wrinkles and cellulite, comprisingthe steps of: a) mixing a plurality of substrate particles with one ormore solvents to form a mixture; b) reacting said mixture of saidplurality of substrate particles with a fluorescent compound, and saidfluorescent compound being in the range of 0.0 1% to 50.0% by weight ofsaid mixture; c) fixing said fluorescent compound to said plurality ofsubstrate particles to form a plurality of optically-activated fixedparticles in said mixture; d) filtering or separating said mixture toseparate out said plurality of optically-activated fixed particleshaving said fluorescent compound being in the range of 0.0001% to 20.0%by dry weight of said composition and said substrate particles being inthe range of 80.0% to 99.9999% by dry weight of said composition for usein making cosmetic, toiletries, and pharmaceutical preparations; and e)encapsulating said plurality of optically-activated fixed particlesusing a transparent or translucent coating.
 62. A method of makingoptically-activated fixed particles in accordance with claim 61, whereinsaid step of mixing said plurality of substrate particles with said oneor more solvents includes one or more glycol derivatives to form saidmixture.
 63. A method of making optically-activated fixed particles inaccordance with claim 61, wherein said step of reacting said pluralityof substrate particles includes selecting said fluorescent compound fromthe group consisting of derivatives of stilbene, 4,4′ diaminostilbene,bipehenyl, heterocycles, or any other fluorescent materials such asTinopal 5BM, Calcofluor White RC (Stilbene 4), Calcofluor CG (Stilbene3), and Leucophor BSB, or equivalents.
 64. A method of makingoptically-activated fixed particles in accordance with claim 61, whereinsaid step of filtering includes the step of drying said mixture toseparate out said plurality of optically-activated fixed particles fromsaid complex solution.
 65. A method of making optically-activated fixedparticles in accordance with claim 61, further including the step ofmaking said plurality of optically-activated fixed particles intocosmetic preparations selected from the group consisting of skinlotions, creams, shampoos, body and skin rinses, bath gels, soaps, hairconditioners, color conditioners and rinses, hair color solutions,foundation powders (compressed or loose), tooth pastes, oral rinses,color cosmetics, and skin treatment products, or any acceptable-cosmeticvehicle or medium.
 66. A method of making optically-activated fixedparticles in accordance with claim 61, wherein said step of separatingsaid mixture from said plurality of optically-activated fixed particlesforms a plurality of optically-activated fixed particles.
 67. A methodof making optically-activated fixed particles in accordance with claim61, wherein said step of encapsulating said plurality ofoptically-activated fixed particles is performed using apolyoxymethylene urea (PMU) coating, or a PVA coating, or a melaminecoating, as said transparent or translucent coating.
 68. A method ofmaking optically-activated fixed particles in accordance with claim 61,wherein said step of encapsulating said plurality of optically-activatedfixed particles is performed using a polyoxymethylene urea,polyoxymethylene, melamine, PVA, PCV, polyacrylates, polymethacrylates,polyvinyls, plastic polymers, organic or inorganic gels, natural orsynthetic gelatins, to form a capsule wherein each capsule acts as anextra diffusing interface of emitted light, thereby increasing thediffusion of emitted and reflected light, or reducing the visualperception of skin imperfections, including cellulite, wrinkles, skindiscolorations, and shadows when applied to the skin surface.
 69. Amethod of optically-activated fixed particles in accordance with claim61, further including the step of processing said plurality ofencapsulated optically-activated fixed particles into cosmeticpreparations selected from the group consisting of skin lotions, creams,shampoos, body and skin rinses, bath gels, soaps, hair conditioners,color conditioners and rinses, hair color solutions, foundation powders(compressed or loose), tooth pastes, oral rinses, color cosmetics, andskin treatment products, or any acceptable-cosmetic vehicle or medium.70. A method of using a composition having optically-activated fixedparticles for use in cosmetics, toiletries and pharmaceuticalapplications in order to reduce the visual perception of skinimperfections, wherein said composition comprises: a) a plurality ofsubstrate particles selected from the group consisting of polyamides,polyacrylates, polyesters, other plastic polymers, natural materials,regenerated cellulose, cellulose, starch, metals, salts, minerals, andother insoluble solids; b) a fluorescent compound fixed to each of saidplurality of substrate particles to form integral units in the form ofoptically-activated fixed particles for emitting and diffusing light toreduce the visual perception of skin imperfections, including shadows,skin discolorations, cellulite, wrinkles, and mild scars; c) each ofsaid optically-activated fixed particles being encapsulated with atransparent or translucent coating; and d) said method comprising thestep of applying said composition to a person's skin to reduce thevisual perception of skin imperfections, including cellulite, shadows,wrinkles, skin discolorations, pores, follicles, blotchiness, and mildscars by using said optically-activated fixed particles to emit anddiffuse light.
 71. A method of using a composition havingoptically-activated fixed particles for use in cosmetics, toiletries andpharmaceutical applications in order to reduce the visual perception ofskin imperfections, wherein said composition comprises: a) a pluralityof substrate particles selected from the group consisting of polyamides,polyacrylates, polyesters, other plastic polymers, natural materials,regenerated cellulose, cellulose, starch, metals, salts, minerals, andother insoluble solids; b) a fluorescent compound fixed to each of saidplurality of substrate particles to form integral units in the form ofoptically-activated fixed particles for emitting and diffusing light toreduce the visual perception of skin imperfections, including shadows,skin discolorations, cellulite, wrinkles, and mild scars; and c) saidmethod comprising the step of applying said composition to a person'sskin to reduce the visual perception of skin imperfections, includingcellulite, shadows, wrinkles, skin discolorations, pores, follicles,blotchiness, and mild scars by using said optically-activated fixedparticles to emit and diffuse light.